CBI scrutinising files related to Home Ministry official Anand Joshi

New Delhi CBI is scrutinising various files related to Home Ministry official Anand Joshi, who has been arrested on charges of issuing Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) notices arbitrarily to the NGOs for financial gains.

MHA Under Secretary Anand Joshi, who was arrested after charges of corruption were slapped against him, was on Monday sent to the CBI custody till May 20.

Sources in the CBI told ANI on Tuesday that it would soon be taking over files related the NGOs, adding that others connected with the case would also be summoned.

MHA Under Secretary Joshi, who was arrested after charges of corruption were slapped against him, was on Monday sent to the CBI custody till May 20 by a Delhi Court. The top investigative agency had sought five-day custody of the officer.

Joshi, who was found hiding at a relative’s residence in Tilak Nagar, had left home in Indirapuram ahead of his questioning by the CBI on May 11. He had left behind an emotional letter for his family in which he claimed to be subjected to mental harassment.

Joshi said in his letter that he had never imagined that his ‘patriotism’ and integrity would lead to such a situation wherein he has been accused of corruption.

Posted in the MHA’s Foreigners Division, Joshi reportedly had access to files related to the FCRA and is accused of accepting bribes for getting the clearances done.

Joshi has, however, refuted the charges, saying he was ‘pressurised’ by his superiors to give a clean chit to some organisations.

The CBI had last Monday registered case against the Under Secretary under Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Prevention of Corruption Act after conducting raids at four locations, including Joshi’s residence and office.

The CBI had said that cash worth Rs. 7.5 lakh and certain ‘incriminating documents’, including files pertaining to the MHA and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, were recovered from the premises of the officer during the raid.